EVERYBODY wants to look their best during the festive period. Shifting a few stubborn pounds is usually top of the to-do list before the party season begins, even if it all inevitably gets put back on again after the Christmas feasting.

Along with all the party planning, it is a good idea to start thinking now about ways to trim off unwanted inches.

Regardless of the amount of weight you would like to lose, do not reduce your calorie intake to less than 1,200 a day. And before starting any kind of weight loss programme, it is important to speak to your doctor.

Choose particular types of food to make up for the calories. Because your body is processing at least half what it is used to it's important to choose foods that fill you up to avoid snacking. High-fibre foods require more chewing, which slows down the processes in your stomach, meaning you feel full for longer. Fibre has zero calories, so is therefore not fattening. Carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables will fill you up the easiest: rice will fill you up more than fish, for example, so make sure you eat more of the former than the latter.

Foods with high water content will also make you feel full, so soups and stew are a good idea, and are more appetising than a bowl of bran during the colder months of the year. Fat has twice the calories than the same amount of protein or starchy foods, so it is a good idea to cut it out as much as you can. Another tip, especially if you find these guidelines tricky to obey, is to drink a glass of water before a meal. This makes your stomach expand and makes you feel full, so you will eat less.